Research Associate (Writing Focused

Job Description

Harvard Business School seeks multiple Research Associate (RA) positions to support faculty members on writing and content‑focused work. The successful candidate will have a strong understanding of business topics and prior writing experience. The RA reports directly to faculty supervisors and the administrative manager in the Research Staff Services office. Ideal candidates will be comfortable in an environment that requires a high level of independence, intellectual curiosity, and the ability to use discretionary judgment.

• Work under the general direction of HBS faculty on topics central to HBS research agenda; provide subject‑area knowledge, analysis and interpretation to faculty members; identify and explore a wide range of questions related to faculty’s research agenda.
• Write cases, case supplements, project reports, and drafts for a book project from start to finish, creating original writing based on subject‑area expertise, research, and interviews; write articles for applicable business audiences such as the Harvard Business Review.
• Under general direction of a faculty member, take complex research ideas, concepts, and methodologies and apply them to new projects and situations; structure assignments and keep faculty members informed as necessary, using own judgment.
• Build trust and collaboration by being present on‑site and engaging directly with colleagues and various constituents.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

• Alison Wood Brooks
• Fritz Foley
• Reza Satchu
  • Work with Professor Satchu on cases, podcasts, and an exciting book project while exploring the fundamental dynamics of entrepreneurial decision‑making and value creation, as his teaching and research draw on real‑world venture‑building experience to develop practical frameworks that help founders navigate extreme uncertainty and build ventures with meaningful societal impact.
• Matthew Weinzierl
  • Prof. Weinzierl teaches and researches the space sector, and he is looking for a research associate who can be his partner in those efforts. If you are interested in building a career in the space sector, have dynamic people skills that will enable you to engage with industry leaders, and are a self‑starter with ambitious goals for your future in space, this role provides an ideal launch pad.

• Basic Qualifications
• Bachelor’s degree with a GPA above 3.5 is required.
• Prior experience supporting short‑form writing and website project management is preferred.
• Additional Qualifications and Skills
• Evidence of prior high‑quality, original academic writing and background in analysis and interpretation of relevant data, research, news, and literature is helpful. Ability to read academic, subject‑specific information and write a reasoned and thoughtful analysis, as well as produce a creative interpretation, is a must.
• Extremely high standards for quality of work, attention to detail, strong organization skills, and absolute commitment to task completion. Must be able to balance multiple tasks and shifting priorities under tight deadlines at an accelerated pace when necessary. Familiarity with navigating a complex organization such as Harvard Business School is helpful.

Appointment End Date: June 30, 2027. These are term appointments starting summer 2026 through June 30, 2027, with an expectation of reappointment until June 30, 2028, based on funding and performance. All Research Associate roles at HBS are structured as one‑year term appointments, but faculty strongly prefer candidates willing to commit for two years.

Standard Hours/

Schedule:

40 hours per week.

Visa Sponsorship Information: Harvard University is unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position.

Work Format Details: This position is hybrid, combining remote and on‑site work at our Boston, MA campus. HBS expects all staff to be on‑site a minimum of three days per week. Specific hours and days on‑site will be determined by business needs and are subject to change with appropriate advanced notice. When not working at a Harvard or Harvard‑designated location, employees in hybrid positions must work in a…